Sewing Machine Uplight Assembly

ABSTRACT

An uplight assembly for a sewing machine is provided, wherein the assembly is adapted to provide a light source along the bed of the sewing machine and adjacent to the throat plate thereof for projecting light from beneath a material work piece being sewn. The assembly comprises a transparent or translucent surface having at least one light source disposed thereunder, wherein the light source is controllable by the user. The activation of the light sources or the intensity of the light is adjustable by the user. The assembly is provided as an aftermarket assembly for existing sewing machines or as a new and novel uplight assembly adapted to be incorporated into a sewing machine bed design.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/824,232 filed on May 16, 2013, entitled “Blanket Light for Sewing Machine.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sewing machines and improved lighting therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a new lighting system for a conventional sewing machine that allows the user to better see the material and the stitching as the material is fed through the machine.

Sewing machines are well known in the art for the purposes of stitching material and for creating garments using needle and thread, wherein the stitching operation is automated as the user guides the material into a reciprocating needle and thread. Modern sewing machines consist of several common elements for the purposes of stitching material and handling the material as the stitching occurs. Most sewing machines consist of a flatbed sewing region that supports a throat plate above a bobbin case below the surface thereof. A reciprocating needle is positioned over the throat plate and within a pressure foot, while feed dogs in the throat plate draw the material across the throat plate as the needle reciprocates therethrough. The user guides the material adapted to be sewn together, aligns the material with the needle during the stitching, and controls the speed the operation. This operation is typical in the art and has successfully been in use for over a century.

To assist a sewing user, the sewing machine typically has an attached light source thereon for providing illumination of the sewing area. This allows the user to visualize the needle contact point with the material, and further allows the user to visualize the different materials in the sewing area. The ability to see the work piece materials and to accurately align the material as it passes through the sewing machine is critical for creating desired stitch lines. The ability to see the material also allows the user to see defects or errors in the work as they occur (i.e. bunching of material, knots, misaligned seam lines, etc.). The ability to locate these defects immediately is critical to correcting the mistake before further work is completed and backtracking or re-work is required.

To this end, it is submitted that the current state of the art lacks in providing suitable illumination of the sewing area. Most light sources are supported within the arm of the sewing machine, which is above the sewing arm. The light source shines downward onto the work piece materials and on the needle contact area. While this may seem suitable, in practice sewing requires extensive user interaction and manipulation of the material in the sewing area to create the desired seam lines and end product shapes. The user's hands and the material tend to block the light source, masking the needle contact area and the location in which the stitches are being created. This leads to defects in the work, slower progression of the work, and a requirement of greater concentration on the user.

Not being able to see the material as it passes over the throat plate requires the user to consistently stop the sewing operation to check for proper alignment and to check for defects in the stitching. Although the pressure foot of the sewing machine supports the material, more difficult sewing operations require particular attention to the stitch lines. These include certain fabric prints (plaid or stripes), sewing chevrons, and working with dissimilar material. For those with poor eyesight, the reduced illumination in the sewing area compounds the problem and exacerbates the problem.

To address this issue in the art of sewing machines, the present invention contemplates a sewing machine uplight that is adapted to direct light upwards from the bed of the sewing machine and through the material being stitched. Along the bed of the sewing machine and in front of the throat plate is provided a translucent surface that allows light to pass therethrough. Below the translucent surface is at least one light source that is adapted to operate when the sewing machine is on. An optional rheostat is provided for controlling the intensity of the light therethrough, which shines through the surface and through material as it is passed under the pressure foot by the feed dogs. Along with a completely new sewing machine assembly, the present invention is also contemplated as an add-on accessory for existing sewing machines, wherein either embodiment enhances the illumination of the sewing area for improved work quality and reduced strain on the user.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to sewing machine lighting means. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to light sources above the sewing area or auxiliary light sources that are positionable therearound. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,415 to Dobner, which discloses a lighting device for a sewing machine that includes a light source supported within a flexible sheath and by an arm portion in the vicinity of the sewing needle and feed dogs. The sheath is bendable so that the light source can be advantageously positioned relative to the sewing needle and the work piece. The sheath carries two light guides that guide light emanating from a light bulb that is positioned within the assembly. Overall, the Dobner device provides a movable light source and sewing machine accessory that is similar to a fiber optic light. While disclosing a supplementary light source for a sewing machine, the Dobner device describes a structure and a lighting application that significantly diverges from the intent and structure of the present invention. The present invention contemplates an uplight that shines through material fabric and therearound as the material work piece is guided through the sewing machine feed dogs and operated on by the sewing machine needle.

Another device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,284 to Wacker, which discloses a lighting apparatus for a sewing machine that comprises a lamp holder positioned above the sewing needle and above the feed dogs of the sewing machine for emanating light downwards on the work piece. The lamp loops around the needle bar and the feed dogs and extends at least one half of the way therearound. The lamp comprises a tubular luminous element having straight sections and electrically connected ends. This arrangement provides improved downlighting on the work piece for a sewing machine while in use; however fails to provide light when the light is inevitably blocked by the user's hands or the material of the work piece becoming bunched above the needle during operation. The present invention is directed to an uplight that illuminates the work piece at the point of intersection between the needle and the material, placing the light where it is required and minimizing blockages when forming or manipulating the material in the vicinity of the needle contact area.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,042 to Peets is the type typically found on sewing machine devices, wherein a large light unit is disposed within the sewing machine housing that shines down on the work area. The Peets device comprises a light unit secured within the bracket arm of the sewing machine and a reflector unit disposed around the light unit to direct the light downwards on the work area of the assembly. This configuration is typical in the art, wherein a light source is positioned above the sewing area and a reflector or cover is utilized to direct the light, diffuse, or soften the light source, as necessary for improved visualization of the work piece while sewing. The present invention is disclosed for the purposes of eliminating an overhead light source and for improving visualization of the sewing activity using an underlight. Projecting light upwards has been proven to be more effective at lighting the sewing area and the material being operated upon when compared to traditional overhead lit sewing machine devices.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,024 to Guthier discloses an illumination device for a sewing machine that comprises a planar electroluminescent light that forms the upper surface of the throat or slide plate of the sewing machine to provide an upwardly directed light therefrom. The electroluminescent light source is a plate that has current passed therethrough to create a glowing work surface below the sewing area. The Guthier device offers a similar solution to that of the present invention, however provides the light in the form of a plate that accepts current therethrough for luminescence. The present invention contemplates a translucent panel having at least one light source thereunder for directing light through the panel and into the sewing area of the sewing machine. The panel is one of glass or plastic, and is a structural member rather than one that receiving current therethrough. At least one light emitting diode (LED) is present below the panel and attached thereto, wherein the panel and light source are provided as a built-in feature of the sewing machine or offered as a replacement article for existing sewing machines. The structure and implementation of the present uplight diverges from that of Guthier and is new in the art.

The devices of the prior art relate to overhead lighting means, adjustable light sources placeable nearby the pressure foot, and also to electroluminescent base plates. Overhead light sources suffer the aforementioned drawbacks of being easily blocked by the user's hands and by the material work pieces, while the positionable light is similarly disadvantaged by consuming usable space within the sewing area that may otherwise be necessary for movement of the material or movement of the reciprocating needle. The electroluminescent base plate of the Guthier disclose provides a light source along the bed of the sewing machine; however the elements thereof significantly diverge from that of the present invention, wherein a translucent surface is provided with an underlying light source. The present invention contemplates a simple structure that greatly improves the usability of a sewing machine in low light and over prolonged periods, wherein no specific material surface is required for operation, only one that permits a percentage of light to pass through its thickness while the underlying light source is operational.

It is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing sewing machine light sources. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sewing machine light sources now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new sewing machine uplight assembly, wherein the same can be utilized for improving visibility of the sewing area of the sewing machine.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved sewing machine light source that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sewing machine light source to illuminate the bed of a sewing machine using an uplight, wherein the light source is disposed within the bed of the sewing machine and projects light through the material being sewn.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine light source that improves visual clarify of material work pieces at the needle contact area without interference from the user's hands or bunched material in the bed of the sewing machine.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine light source that reduces mistakes and defects in the sewn material by improving visual clarity of the material and sewing area while the sewing machine is operational.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine light source that improves efficiency of the sewing operation and reduces fatigue on the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine light source that is built into the bed of the sewing machine and is wired thereto, wherein the light source may be continuously operational, manually controlled, or operational when the sewing machine needle is reciprocating.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine light source that is provided as an accessory item attachable to the bed of an existing sewing machine device.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a sewing machine light source that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the sewing area of a sewing machine in conjunction with the uplight of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the illuminated sewing area while the sewing machine is stitching two material work pieces together.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the uplight of the present invention and the rheostat utilized to control its intensity.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative view of the uplight of the present invention provided as an accessory item attachable to an existing sewing machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the sewing machine uplight of the present invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for improving the visual clarity of the sewing area of a sewing machine and improving the ability of the user to see material work pieces as they are stitched. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a close-up view of the sewing area of a typical sewing machine, wherein the uplight assembly 11 of the present invention is disposed along the bed 23 of the sewing area in front of the sewing machine throat plate 24. As with typical sewing machines, there is shown a sewing machine having an upper arm 20, a reciprocating needle and pressure foot 21, a throat plate 24, and feed dogs (not shown) disposed within the throat plate 24. Material to be stitched is advanced under the pressure foot 21 while the needle sends stitching through the material with the assistance of thread within the bobbin case under the throat plate 24.

Disposed adjacent to the throat plate 24 and along the bed 23 of the sewing machine is the uplight assembly 11 of the present invention. The uplight comprises a transparent or translucent surface 12 having at least one light source 13 positioned thereunder, wherein illumination is adapted to project through the surface 12 and into the sewing area for increased visibility of the material work piece being stitched. The surface 12 can be one that is completely transparent or one that softens the light emanating from the light sources, where the goal is to provide a light source from below the work piece and along the sewing machine bed 23 for improved clarity of the sewing operation.

Referring to FIG. 2, the present invention is shown in a working state, projecting light from the uplight assembly 11 and through a material work piece 30 as the material 30 is being stitched together. The uplight 11 preferably comprises a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that are electrically connected to an electric circuit receiving power from a battery power source or the sewing machine itself. In one embodiment, the uplight assembly 11 is designed into the bed of the sewing machine by the sewing machine manufacturer and is hardwired to the electrical connections thereof. When the sewing machine is connected to a power source (e.g. NC power), the power is transformed into an appropriate current and voltage for operation of the light sources disposed under the uplight surface.

The user controls the intensity and the operation of the light sources during the sewing activity, wherein it is contemplated that the light sources may be repeatable continuously, during the reciprocating needle action, and on user demand via an activation switch. Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown the built-in embodiment of the present invention, wherein the uplight assembly 11 is disposed within the sewing machine bed and is electrically connected 16 to the sewing machine power source and a light source controller 18. The controller 18 allows the user to operably control the activation and intensity of the light sources. The type of light source will determine if intensity is controllable via the rheostat control knob or if the knob 18 is one that activates one or more LEDs 13 for more or less light from the uplight assembly. Overall, it is contemplated that user controls be disposed on the sewing machine specifically for the light, wherein the controls may be a simple switch or a knob that electrically controls the light intensity emanating from the uplight assembly 13.

The transparent surface of the uplight assembly 11 preferably comprises a plastic material that softens the light emanating from the light sources 13 below the surface. The light sources 13 are preferably connected to the underside of the surface or are disposed adjacent thereto and secured via a light source attachment means. The goal is to provide a surface that can be readily removed and serviced when a light source needs replacement (if at all), wherein the light sources 13 are connected to the surface and do not consume unwarranted space within the bed of the sewing machine.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view of the uplight assembly 11 of the present invention and an embodiment with four light sources 13. This view shows both contemplated embodiment of the present invention: one in which the assembly 11 is an accessory attachable to an existing sewing machine and powered by an external power source, and the other in which the assembly 11 is already disposed within a defined area in the bed of the sewing machine. The assembly configuration changes very little between embodiments, but the electrical connections with the sewing machine are different. The accessory embodiment includes an external electrical connection 16 to a controller and a power source (i.e. a battery pack), while the built-in embodiment is electrically connected 16 to the sewing machine electrical features to incorporate the uplight assembly 11 into the sewing machine. The surface of the uplight assembly 11 includes an upper surface and an underside surface, wherein the upper surface is flush with the bed of the sewing machine when the assembly is designed into a new sewing machine. The light sources are disposed along the underside surface thereof, and positioned within the sewing machine interior when the assembly is incorporated into a new sewing machine design.

In either embodiment, at least one light source 13 is disposed below the transparent surface and electrically connected 16 to an appropriate power source. To support the use of LEDs, an additional electric circuit 19 or supporting electrical components may be necessary to drive the LEDs and provide necessary inputs and outputs therefore. In the accessory embodiment, this supporting electric circuit 16 is disposed below the surface and adjacent to the light sources, while the built-in embodiment may position these supporting components elsewhere within the interior of the sewing machine.

When using a sewing machine, it is often difficult to align fabric properly. A quality seam and desired end product rely on the proper alignment of fabric prior to and during the sewing operation. While traditional sewing machines provide lighting, the light is directed from above the fabric and not from underneath. Fabric often becomes misaligned as the fabric is fed through the foot of the sewing machine. Although the foot is pressurized to hold the seam in place, certain fabric prints, such as plaid or stripes require even more exact positioning and therefore require more attention to small details that may be difficult to visualize without adequate lighting. Additionally, knots may form during sewing that can disrupt productivity and ruin a garment.

The present invention describes a sewing machine uplight assembly for improving the illumination in the bed of a sewing machine, whereby the light source is disposed within the bed of the sewing machine and is projected upwards for improved visualization of the work piece being sewn. The assembly comprises a backlit surface adapted to be positioned or disposed within the bed of a sewing machine and adjacent to the throat plate thereof. The light includes a user controller for manipulating the brightness or intensity of the light emanating therefrom, wherein the controller varies the voltage or current to the light sources, or alternatively controls the number of sources simultaneously illuminated. The controller is provided as either a switch, a rheostat, or a display screen built into the sewing machine for operably controlling the light sources. The light from below the surface provides improved visibility when sewing, particularly when working with plaid or striped fabrics. The assembly provides backlighting that helps a user line up fabric accurately, enables a user to detect knots in the thread, and features a rheostat to adjust the brightness of lighting to coordinate with varying fabric density.

Backside illumination of a work piece is greatly helpful for aligning material and for visualizing the stitching going through the work piece. The present invention is presented as an improvement to a sewing machine design, or an aftermarket assembly that may be positioned on an existing sewing machine bed for use with a user's already-purchased sewing machine assembly. The assembly contemplates a power source for powering the light source and a controller for adapting the intensity or brightness of the assembly as required by the user. Overall the device greatly improves clarity of the sewing area, which increases worker efficiency, reduces strain on the user's eyes, and reduces errors in the finished product by allowing more accurate stitch placement.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) An uplight assembly for the bed of a sewing machine, comprising: a transparent surface having an upper side and an underside; at least one light source disposed along said underside of said transparent surface; said light source electrically connected to a power source; said light source electrically to a light source controller adapted to allow setting of said light source activation. 2) The uplight assembly of claim 1, wherein: said at least one light source further comprises at least one light emitting diode. 3) The uplight assembly of claim 1, wherein: said light source controller further comprises a rheostat. 4) The uplight assembly of claim 1, wherein: said power source further comprises a battery pack adapted to be external to said sewing machine. 5) A sewing machine having improved illumination, comprising: a sewing machine having a bed that comprises a reciprocating needle, a throat plate, a power source, and an uplight assembly; said uplight assembly comprising a transparent surface and at least one light source; said transparent having an upper side and an underside, said upper side adapted to align with said bed; at least one light source disposed along said underside of said transparent surface; said light source electrically connected to said power source of said sewing machine; said light source electrically to a light source controller adapted to allow setting of said light source activation. 6) The sewing machine of claim 1, wherein: said at least one light source further comprises at least one light emitting diode. 7) The sewing machine of claim 1, wherein: said light source controller further comprises a rheostat. 8) The sewing machine of claim 1, wherein: said light source controller further comprises a touchscreen controller. 